Technology has changed and developed dramatically in recent years, therefore combining print with digital is an important step to ensuring businesses cover all customer touchpoints.
Websites, social media, Google, and Wikipedia have become normal methods for people to find out information and market their businesses. As this technology has evolved, print has too, which has had very positive responses from both marketers and customers.
What is print advertising?
Print advertising is described as a more traditional marketing method. It is physically printed promotional material, which includes posters, billboards, leaflets, window displays, brochures, direct email and printed advertisements in magazines and newspapers.
What is digital advertising?
Digital advertising is anything that uses a web platform such as social media, search engines, websites or video to publish promotional material in digital format.
Combining print and digital.
Enhancing a digital campaign alongside creative print provides an integrated marketing approach that can have a positive impact on brand and product awareness.
Print advertisements can become interactive when used alongside mobiles and tablets. A great example of this is the Lexus print ad. When it was lined up with an iPad beneath it, a clever light display was revealed.
Although digital is a good alternative to things like physical events and during covid provided the opportunity to continue with exhibitions and conferences. What they do lack is the personal touch. Using merchandise, printed brochures, and leaflets along with packs of information can make all the difference.
Having something tangible provides a connection with your audience. When they hold something in their hands that looks good and feels good, it not only creates a great impression of your brand but also builds trust. When incorporating digital into your printed promotional material, you will create the wow factor and stand out from your competitors.
Each advertising strategy is positioned to attract your target audience in different ways. Not everyone is online and with more people taking ‘social media breaks’ it is therefore essential to ensure that print is also a strong element of your advertising strategy to achieve an effective campaign.
Here are our six ways to incorporate print with digital to amplify your marketing campaign.
- When asking for digital opt-ins, request for direct mail too so that you can also send printed material to your audience.
- Add a QR code onto print advertising, leaflets and exhibition stand designs. The QR code can be scanned using a phone and the audience can be taken directly to a landing page or social media profile.
- When running a digital campaign with a hashtag attached to it, use the same hashtag in your print material too, #justsaying.
- Add a call to action that sends people to an online website, watch a video or follow a social media page.
- Include online testimonials and reviews in your printed materials.
- Get creative and incorporate both print and digital into an advertising campaign that requires both mediums to give your audience the full experience.
To combine print with digital it is important to ensure that your brand is consistent with typography, images and colours. Everything needs to be consistent and look familiar so that even when online or with a physical printed product, your audience recognises it is your brand. This also helps to build trust and brand recognition.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how your print and signage can be incorporated into your digital marketing.